NFL DRAFT 2018: ANTHONY MILLER

The NFL draft is just days away, and by this point each player has been analyzed, scrutinized, and romanticized by every NFL guru from Kalamazoo to Calcutta. We here at pigskinpress.com turn once again to our director of scouting Nathan Cooper to help us look deeper into the draft at some guys from the group of five that may be a real steal on draft day!

Anthony Miller College: Memphis

Position: Wide Receiver

Year: 5SR

Jersey: #3

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Games Scouted: 2017 #2 UCLA, #8 Tulane, #12 @ UCF, #13 Iowa State 2017 Stats: 13 GP, 96 Rec, 1462 Yards, 18 TD, 25 Rush Yards, 35 Pass Yards, 31 KR Yards, 11 PR Yards Career Stats: 38 GP, 238 Rec, 3590 Yards, 37 TD, 148 Rush Yards, 3 TD, 35 Pass Yards, 136 KR Yards, 136 PR Yards All-Star Game: N/A

Background/Notes

Holds school records for career receptions (238), receiving yards (3590) and touchdown catches (37)
Holds school records for single-season receptions (96), receiving yards (1462) and touchdown catches (18)
Holds school records for single-game receptions (15, twice), receiving yards (250), and touchdown catches (4)
2017 First Team All-American (Associated Press)
2017 First Team All-AAC (Coaches)
2016 Second Team All-AAC (Coaches)
Major in Sociology
2-Star in 2013 (247Sports)
In high school, he was a state champion in the 110-meter hurdles and a runner-up in the long jump

Character – A

2017 Team Captain

Medical – C

2014 – Suffered a shoulder injury during Fall Camp and missed the entire season
2015 – Missed the game against Houston to recover from an undisclosed injury
2017 – Missed time in Fall Camp due to an undisclosed injury
2017 – Suffered a nerve injury in his right elbow against Houston
2017 – Suffered a right foot injury against Iowa State
Had to skip the Senior Bowl and did not do a full workout at the combine due to the foot injury sustained in the bowl game

Strengths

Suddenness off the ball
Creates separation with good speed
Has RAC ability
Very good route runner

Weaknesses

Has some focus drops and double-catches
Struggles against press

Summary

Miller projects as a #2 receiver at the next level with his best fit being in the slot, although he can excel outside as well. At Memphis, he played a pretty equal amount in the slot and outside. He is a former walk-on that played for his hometown college after not receiving much interest as a recruit. He’s a very good athlete that has great speed and quickness. He competes on every route and shows toughness in his play. In the run game, he isn’t a strong blocker, but comes out hard and shows a willingness to block. As a receiver, he brings playmaking ability to the table. He is incredibly quick and sudden off the LOS. He has very good short-area burst. When lined up against press defenders, he does have a bit of a tough time getting off the line, although sometimes he can use his quickness and speed to avoid contact. His route-running ability is very good and shows some savvy in setting up at the top of his routes. He is able to create separation on almost every route his runs, mainly will speed and quickness. He makes some outstanding hands catches, but makes a lot of body catches and has some focus drops and double-catches. When he catches the ball, he shows that he can break tackles on occasion and create large RAC yards. He shows elusiveness in his route running and after the catch that allows him to become a playmaker at anytime, anywhere on the field. On 3rd downs, he should line up in the slot to allow for his skillset to be best used to move the chains. He has some return experience and could contribute some on special teams. Miller should come in right away and earn playing time early on with the starting spot firmly in his grasp no later than his second season. He’s a solid #2 receiver that can contribute out of the slot and on the outside.

NFL Comparison: Marqise Lee, Jaguars (2nd Round, 2014) Miller and Lee compare favorably in size and skill. They are receivers that thrive in the slot, but can also play on the outside. They show great quickness with an extra gear to create after the catch, but can lose concentration at times.

Grade: 6.8 (Mid-Late 1st Round)

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